redbud winter

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "Redbud Winter" names an early spring cold snap that arrives when redbud trees bloom, usually late March or early April. It’s one of the first folk "little winters" marking seasonal shifts.

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

'Redbud Winter' is the first little winter that shows up right at the beginning of Spring.

Pronunciation

[RED-bud WIN-ter]

Meaning & Usage

- An early spring cold spell during redbud bloom (noun phrase)

Mae:

Cold again - but the redbuds are out!

Earl:

Yep - it’s Redbud Winter. Don’t plant your beans yet.

other spellings: early-spring cold snap, and one of the "little winters"

★ Redbud Winter is often the first "little winter" of the year in Southern/Appalachian folk weather lore, followed by Dogwood Winter and Blackberry Winter. ★

Origin

Rooted in Southern/Appalachian tradition. Farmers noticed an early cold snap during redbud bloom and named it "Redbud Winter," using it as a planting signal.

Notes

Still common in older rural communities and in local almanacs. Rare outside the South except where similar folk terms persist. Signals "not time to plant tender crops yet."

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "red-bud winter."

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does Redbud Winter happen every year?

Nearly - it’s a recurring pattern tied to bloom time and early frosts.

Is it only in the South?

Strongest in Southern/Appalachian regions but known in similar climates elsewhere.

How does it relate to other "little winters"?

Usually the first one, followed by Dogwood Winter and then Blackberry Winter.